Welder Career Guide in Massachusetts
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Massachusetts.
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How to Become a Welder in Massachusetts
Training pathways include technical schools, community colleges, union apprenticeships, shipyard programs, and manufacturing employers. Pressure, pipe, and structural welders typically need AWS or ASME performance qualification.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Welder Salary in Massachusetts
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Massachusetts median wage for welder workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in Massachusetts is approximately $14,130 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Massachusetts
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts welders generally qualify through vocational education, apprenticeship, or structured employer training.
- Complete hands-on instruction in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, cutting, fabrication, blueprint reading, and weld inspection.
- Gain supervised experience in structural steel, pipe, shipbuilding, manufacturing, or pressure-system welding.
- Pass AWS, ASME, Navy, Massachusetts public-works, or employer qualification tests when required.
- Complete OSHA hot-work, confined-space, fall-protection, ventilation, and compressed-gas safety training.
- Hold or work under the applicable occupational license when welding forms part of regulated plumbing, refrigeration, gas, or fire-protection work.
Welder Training Providers in Massachusetts
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Bay Community College | Wellesley Hills | View Program |
| Springfield Technical Community College | Springfield | View Program |
| Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology | Boston | View Program |
| Greater Lawrence Technical School — Adult Education | Andover | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: MassHire Department of Career Services
Welder Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not issue a general occupational license for production welders. Welding performed on boilers, pressure vessels, refrigeration piping, plumbing, gas systems, fire-protection equipment, or structural public works may require licensed supervision, inspection, or code-specific welder qualification.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Massachusetts
Massachusetts projects approximately 4% welder employment growth from 2024 to 2034 and about 440 annual openings from growth and worker replacement.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the welder salary in Massachusetts?
The statewide median wage for welders in Massachusetts is approximately $65,130 per year, or $31.31 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Massachusetts require welder licensing?
Licensing requirements for welder workers in Massachusetts vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections — Boiler and Pressure Vessel Program before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a welder in Massachusetts?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are welders in demand in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts projects welder employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 440 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Massachusetts Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Massachusetts Welder Wages
- Massachusetts Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Massachusetts Welder Employment Trends
- Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections — Boiler and Pressure Vessel Program — Licensing authority. Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections — Boiler and Pressure Vessel Program